Oldham biscuit munching marathon proves a huge hit for Down's Syndrome charity

Pupils at Rushcroft School mark World Down’s Syndrome Day

Thousands of gingerbread sock biscuits have been munched by Oldham school children to help raise money for DSWestPennine, a registered charity supporting local children and young people with Down’s Syndrome.

The biscuit sales marked World Down’s Syndrome Day (WDSD, March 21), and were held at 15 schools and nurseries across the Borough, including Crompton House C of E School and Rushcroft Primary School in Shaw, Holy Trinity C of E Primary School in Dobcross and St Edwards RC Primary School in Lees. 

Businesses including Inclusive Technology and First Choice Homes also joined in, as did staff at Oldham Council and Royal Oldham Hospital, while young adults with Down’s Syndrome raised awareness at Funky Fitness CIC, at Greenfield, and the New Bridge Learning Centre.

To further boost funds, staff and pupils paid to attend school in mismatched socks, part of the ‘Lots of Socks’ initiative, which has become a fun, international symbol of Down’s Syndrome.

Funds are still being counted, but the charity believes that its target of £2,000 has already been smashed. 

Moira Fields, founder of DSWestPennine, is thrilled with the response. 

She said: “We have been absolutely blown away by the level of support from our local schools.

"Not only did staff go to the trouble of organising the sales and non-uniform days, but they also helped their pupils better understand this genetic condition by holding special assemblies which explained what life is like today for children with Down’s Syndrome.

“The money raised will make a huge difference to the lives of our members and their families, with every single penny working to help unlock their potential. 

"We are so incredibly grateful to all the staff, parents and pupils for getting behind us – it really does mean the world to our families, who have been touched both by the generous donations and the love and acceptance that has been shown for their children.”

DSWestPennine runs monthly support meetings at Kingfisher Special School in Chadderton, where families can socialise and offer each other mutual support, while their children access free hydrotherapy and speech and language therapy sessions and enjoy a variety of crafts and more energetic activities. 

There is also a special group for siblings, and new families, who have a child with Down’s Syndrome, are always more than welcome.

The charity also offers help and advice to new parents receiving both antenatal and postnatal diagnoses of the condition; and it has helped implement the Down’s Syndrome Association’s ‘Tell it Right’ training course to ensure that local maternity staff have a greater understanding of the condition and are able to better deliver a diagnosis and advise about the prenatal screening programmes.

Families who have a child with Down’s Syndrome or have found out that they’re expecting a baby with the condition, can find out more at www.dswestpennine.co.uk or call 07842 555725 for general enquiries or 07842 534819 for the new parent hotline.